Summary
There are many ways to enjoy thePokemonfranchise, and one of the best is to replay a favorite game from the past. By doing this, fans can get reacquainted with creatures they haven’t seen in a while and enjoy a loving reunion. Each of these reunions gives the player an opportunity to comparePokemonover the various generations to see how they stack up.
Regarding Non-Legendaries, certain Pokemon are easily stronger than others. This is apparent when looking at each Generation, and gamers hoping to thrive in said eras would do well have thesepowerful Non-Legendary Pokemon on their teams.
Updated on July 17, 2025, by Ben Painter:When choosing a party of six for a Pokemon playthrough, selecting one of the strongest creatures in each game is wise. Each game brought out a strong Pokemon, named pseudo-legendaries by fans, that have well-rounded stats and excel in all areas of the game. Usually, they are of the Dragon-type, the strongest in the game, as they can deal devastating damage and resist many different types. Before the release ofPokemon Legends: Z-A, the latest entry in this category is Baxcalibur inPokemon Scarlet & Violet. This update adds another option to each entry, giving fans an example of the second-most powerful Pokemon among the strongest Non-Legendaries of each generation.
9Dragonite
Generation 1
Dragonite has always been a fan favorite and is without a doubt one of thebest non-legendary Pokemon, and that’s for good reason.It is aDragon/Flying-typePokemonwith a base stat total of 600. It is the final evolution of the only Dragon-type family in Generation 1. Dragonite’s stats are good overall, but its Attack stat, in particular, is really high. This combines well with its extremely diverse movepool, giving the player lots of options to work with.
Dragonite has anamazing Ability in Multiscale, making it so that when it gets hit at full HP, the attack only does half of its usual damage. The only glaring drawback to using Dragonite is itsextreme weakness to Ice-type attacks. Dratini, Dragonite’s first form, evolves into Dragonair at level 30, which then evolves again at level 50 into Dragonite. Dratini can bebought at the Celadon Game Corner for 2,800 CoinsinRed/FireRed, and 4,600 Coins inBlue/LeafGreen.
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Arcanine (Second Place)
Coming in second place for Generation 1 is the Legendary Pokemon (by category), Arcanine. When gamers haven’t chosen Charmander as their start, this Pokemon is usually the nextbest option regarding Fire types in Kanto. With fantastic overall stats, the offense is the standout here.
Arcanine also has another form that gains a secondary Rock typing, but because that was introduced in Generation 8, it doesn’t really count towards the Generation 1 overall stats.
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8Tyranitar
Generation 2
Generation 2 brought fansPokemon Gold and Silveralong with Tyranitar. This isa Rock/Dark-type Pokemon, and it carries a whopping base stat total of 600. While the type combination is one of a kind, it’s the middle of the road in terms of usefulness. The Rock/Dark typing gives Tyranitar 7 weaknesses (one of which being quadruple in Fighting), but it also gives it seven resistances and one immunity.
The overall stats are incredible. Yes, Tyranitar is a bit slow compared to some other Non-Legendary Pokemon, but every other stat is fantastic.Sand Stream is also a great Abilitythat will damage any of Tyranitar’s opponents that aren’t Rock/Steel/Ground-type and gives it a 50% Special Defense boost to itself and other Rock-types. Its appearance is just amazing, and that is only enough to make it one of thebest non-legendary Pokemon.
If Gamers areplaying any of the titles that allow Mega Evolution, then they will gain a boosted Tyranitar. Perhaps this form will make a long-awaited return inPokemon: Legends Z-A. Tyranitar starts off as Larvitar, which turns into Pupitar at level 30 and then becomes Tyranitar at level 55. It can befound on Mt. SilverinGold/Silverand specifically during the morning/day if playingCrystal.
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Kingdra (Second Place)
Generation 2 introduced the first example of new evolutions for previously released Pokemon, and one of those examples was Kingdra, who was the evolved form of Seadra. The seahorse was actually the only Dragon-type released in Pokemon Gold & Silver. It makes sense that this Pokemon would have a high overall, given that the type is always one of the strongest.
Stats-wise, Kingdra is fairly even across the board, and in Generation 2, it has only one weakness to Dragon. When battling Clair’s gym in Johto, players will have no Dragon-type Pokemon available, so this battle is especially tough.
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7Slaking
Generation 3
Slaking may well bethe most controversial of all Pokemon. There’s no doubt that Slaking is strong. So strong, in fact, that it isoften mistaken for a pseudo-legendary. It is a pure Normal-type Pokemon with a base stat total of 670 from Generation 3. However, due to its ability, called Truant, it can only move on every other turn. Many players say that, while this is a big handicap, it’s absolutely made up for by Slaking’s tremendous strength. The ability is very tedious, and it definitely knocks it down a few marks in comparison to some of the otherstrongest non-legendary Pokemon.
All of its stats are high, but itsHP and Attack are especially good, and due to being a Normal-type, it can learn just about any good offensive move. So, Slaking is no slouch when it comes to offense, defense, or variety. The pure Normal typing also gives it only one weakness, and as if it wasn’t scary enough, Slaking is also immune to Ghost moves.
Surprisingly, players canstart working towards getting a Slaking very earlyinRuby/Sapphire/Emerald, as Slakoth are found in the Petalburg Woods. On top of that, players only need to take said Slakoth to level 18 to evolve into Vigoroth and then to 36 for Slaking, meaning that it has a significantly lower level requirement than most of the other Non-Legendary Pokemon.
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For the first time in the series, there were twopseudo-legendary Pokemon released in one generation. Some may argue that both Salamence and Metagross are the strongest Generation 3 Pokemon, given Slaking’s annoying ability. Both Pokemon have no weak points when it comes to their stats and can more than handle their own in battle.
It is a shame that they are hard to acquire in their original games. Metagross, for example, can only be found when given as a gift when the Elite Four and Champion have been defeated.
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6Garchomp
Generation 4
Garchomp is aDragon/Ground-type Pokemonthat first appeared in Generation 4, with a base stat total of 600. Dragon/Ground is an extremely strong type combination for offense, and defensively it’s not horrible (although it is super weak to Ice).
Additionally,Garchomp is surprisingly fastfor a Ground-type. Combine that with its very high Attack stat, varied movepool, and excellent Ability in Rough Skin (damaging any users who hit you with Physical moves), and players have a deadly combination on their side.Diamond & Pearl’s champion Cynthia agrees that this is one of thebest Non-Legendary Pokemon. Garchomp is also a lucky recipient of a Mega Evolution, first introduced inPokemon X&Y, which boosts its already insane stats.
Gible is Garchomp’s first form. It needs to be raised to level 24 for it to evolve into Gabite, and then that needs to beraised to level 48 for Garchomp. Wild Gible are native to the Wayward Cave inDiamond/Pearl/Platinum.However, it’s better to use one inPlatinumspecifically, as Wayward cave is open much earlier in that game.
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Togekiss (Second Place)
The Champion of Sinnoh’s team is stacked with powerful Pokemon, and one of those is Togekiss. The Jubilee Pokemon thrives in defense; it will take a lot to rock this Pokemon. Butits best stat is its 120 Special Attack, which can be used to implement STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves such as Air Slash and Hyper Beam to the best of its ability.
In Generation 6,this Pokemon was changed to the Fairy-type, but in playthroughs of Generation 4 games, it will remain as a Normal/Flying-type. It is a real shame that this iconic Pokemon did not make the cut for Paldea.
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5Hydreigon
Generation 5
Generation 5’sHydreigon is a Dark/Dragon-type Pokemonwith a base stat total of 600. Similar to Tyranitar, this combination has its ups and downs, having five weaknesses, with Fairy dealing 4x damage. However, it also comes with six resistances and an immunity to Psychic.
With Levitate being Hydreigon’s only Ability,it’s also immune to Ground-type attacks. Hydreigon has another advantage in its variety. It is much more varied in terms of offenses compared to other Non-Legendaries. This is a good combination with Hydreigon’slarge movepool, making it an extremely varied attacker with both Physical and Special moves as well.
Wild Deino arefound at Victory Road inBlack/White, and its evolution, Zweilous, is also found at Victory Road inBlack 2/White 2. Deino evolves at level 50, and Zweilous evolves at level 64. Players should verify to pick this one up inBlack & Whiteto getone of the strongest Non-Legendary Pokemon.
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Archeops (Second Place)
Surprisingly, the secondstrongest Non-Legendary Pokemonin Generation 5 is the Fossil Pokemon Archeops. With an impressive base stat total of 567, this ‘mom is a fast-mixed attacker and should be a go-to option for players of a Unova game. The champion, Iris, also has one of these Pokemon on her very impressive team, and it cancause some real issues given its varied moveset.
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4Goodra
Generation 6
Generation 6 introduced a lot of solid Dragon-types, and Goodra is no exception.Goodra is a pure Dragon-typewith a base stat total of 600. Like Hydreigon, Goodra has nearly even attacking stats, both Physically and Specially, but with a huge Special Defense stat on top of that, making thisone the best Non-Legendary Pokemon.
All ofGoodra’s Abilities are great. Sap Sipper gives playersimmunity to Grass-type moves. Hydration cures status conditions in rain. Gooey decreases an opponent’s speed if they hit the player with a contact move. Goodra’s highlighting feature is probably the move pool, as it learns strong attack moves from so many different types. InPokemon Legends: Arceus, Goodra was given another form, which granted it the Steel secondary typing, perfect as it can counter its biggest weakness to Fairy with super effective attacks.
Goomy is the pre-evolution of Sliggoo, which evolves at level 40. Sliggoo must then be raised to level 50while it is raining or if there is fog present in the overworld. This is the case for both forms of Goodra. Wild Goomy can be found on Route 14 inX/Y.
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Florges (Second Place)
Despite its floral appearance, this Pokemon is not a Grass-type but is, instead, a pure Fairy-type, and it is the secondstrongest Non-Legendary Pokemonin Generation 6. Kalos trainers should consider using Florges in their parties, as the typing is really awesome to have, especially against those troublesome Dragons.
It thrives in its Special Defense but has a decent Special Attack, too, which will only benefit it as it has strong Special moves in its locker, such as the STAB Moonblast.
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3Wishiwashi (School Form)
Generation 7
Wishiwashi is apure Water-type Pokemonwith abase stat total of 620. Wishiwashi’s Ability “Schooling” automatically turns it into this from when its HP is above 25%, meaning that it does have some small limitations. In terms of stats, whileits HP and Speed are lacking, the remaining stats are monstrous.
Wishiwashi’s pure Water typing is certainly a bonus in battle, as it gives itonly two weaknesses but four resistances. The move pool is nowhere near as varied as some other Non-Legendary Pokemon, but the other stats combine to keep Wishiwashi among the strongest. This is a surprising entry to thestrongest non-legendary Pokemon, as Wishiwashi is not a pseudo-legendary.
Wild Wishiwashi can be capturedon Routes 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, Melemele Sea, Kala’e Bay, Brooklet Hill, and Akala Outskirts while fishing inSun/MoonandUltra Sun/Ultra Moon.
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Kommo-o (Second Place)
Nearly always in a Pokemon region, the pseudo-Legendary Pokemon is the strongest (aside from Legenadaries), but Wishiwashi takes this mantle. Kommo-o has to reside in second place, but that takes nothing away, as it is still an awesome Pokemon.
It has an amazing pool of Abilities among its learnset: Boomburst, Close Combat, Outrage and Clanging Scales, which all have over 100 power. It also has a fair few weaknesses, including a 4x weakness to Fairy, but it makes up for it with its strong defense and attack stats.
2Dragapult
Generation 8
In Generation 8, gamers were introduced to Dragapult. Dragapult has a base stat total of 600 and aDragon/Ghost typing. It’s very muchthe “fast but frail type,“being incredibly speedy with high offenses but mediocre defenses and low HP.
Dragapult also hasthree very good Abilities. Cursed Body has a 30% chance to disable the move that the opponent last hit the player with for a bit, Infiltrator allows gamers to ignore Reflect, Light Screen, and Aurora Veil, and Clear Body prevents stat reductions coming from an opponent. Dragon/Ghost as a type combination is, once again, some good with some bad. Players will have to deal with five weaknesses, but they also get to enjoy six resistances and two immunities, making this the best of the “half-and-half” type combinations.
Dragapult starts off as a Dreepy, who turns into Drakloak at level 50, who then becomes Dragapult at level 60. Wild Dreepy can be found in the grass1% of the time in cloudy weather and 2% of the time in a thunderstorm/foggy day at the Lake of OutrageinSword/Shield. Wild Drakloak can also be found there as a visible encounter under the same restrictions, with the exception that it also appears 1% of the time in the rain. It’s a really solid addition that deserves its place amongthe strongest Non-Legendary Pokemon.
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Duraludon (Second Place)
Duraludon is the signature Pokemon of Gym Leader Raihanm, who utilizes its Gigantamax Form, and it is super powerful with its high Physical Defense and Special Attack. Steel Pokemon are awesome as they have a lot of resistances and are further helped by the Dragon typing also.
It has an additional evolution, introduced inPokemon Scarlet & Violet’s DLC (The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero Part 2: The Indigo Disk): Archaludon, which, of course, has an increase in its stats, but as it is not available in Generation 8, this Pokemon does not count.
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1Palafin (Hero Form)
Generation 9
The latest,strongest Non-Legendary Pokemonin the franchise is Palafin, but specifically in its Hero form, as its base form is nothing to write home about. This increase in its stats is thanks to itsZero to Hero ability. When it is switched out and back in, its appearance will change, and it also has a massive boost to its stats, taking thegrand total up to 650.
It now has a staggering160 Attack, which will work well with moves likeFocus Punch and Wake Crash. Its signature move,Flip Turn, is key for this ‘mon, as it works similarly to U-Turn in that it attacks, and the Pokemon then retreats to its Poke Ball, paving the way for it to change form when re-entering the battle.
Finizen is the pre-evolution of Palafin. The two Pokemon look nearly identical in their Zero form, andthey can be located in the seas across Paldea. To evolve into Palafin, gamers must join the Union Circle and level up this Pokemon when online with another player.
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Baxcalibur (Second Place)
Pokemon Scarlet & Violetbrought a new monster of a Pokemon, Baxcalibur, but due to Palafin’s ability, it can only manage second place. TheDragon/Icetype has a base total stats of 600 and a really solid moveset, featuring Normal, Ice, Dark and Dragon type moves. Its highest stat is its 145 attack, demolishing opponents with Glaive Rush.
Baxcalibur has two abilities.Thermal Exchangeboosts its already impressive attack stat when hit with a Fire-Type move. The ability also means that this Pokemon cannot be burned. The big bad of Paldea also has the potential of a hidden ability,Ice Body, which allows it to gain HP from each term during a snowstorm.
Frigibax is the first form of this Pokemon, and it can be found inGlaseado MountainorDalizapa Passagein northern Paldea. Frigibax evolves into Arctibax at level 35 and then into Baxcalibur at a fairly modest level 54. Using a sandwich that boosts the spawn rates of Ice or Dragon types helps with this capture, but in comparison to some other Non-Legendary Pokemon, catching a Frigibax is a breeze.
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